US20150164044A1 - Automated Animal Feeding Apparatus - Google Patents
Automated Animal Feeding Apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150164044A1 US20150164044A1 US14/415,715 US201314415715A US2015164044A1 US 20150164044 A1 US20150164044 A1 US 20150164044A1 US 201314415715 A US201314415715 A US 201314415715A US 2015164044 A1 US2015164044 A1 US 2015164044A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- feed
- animal feeder
- hopper
- hopper assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 63
- 241000607479 Yersinia pestis Species 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000257303 Hymenoptera Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001674044 Blattodea Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282994 Cervidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000877 Melamine resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000283984 Rodentia Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002990 reinforced plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/02—Automatic devices
- A01K5/0225—Gravity replenishment from a reserve, e.g. a hopper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/01—Feed troughs; Feed pails
- A01K5/0114—Pet food dispensers; Pet food trays
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/01—Feed troughs; Feed pails
- A01K5/0114—Pet food dispensers; Pet food trays
- A01K5/0142—Pet food dispensers; Pet food trays with means for preventing other animals or insects from eating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/02—Automatic devices
- A01K5/0225—Gravity replenishment from a reserve, e.g. a hopper
- A01K5/0241—Gravity replenishment from a reserve, e.g. a hopper dispensing by means of stirring mechanisms or agitators operated by the animal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/02—Automatic devices
- A01K5/0275—Automatic devices with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/02—Automatic devices
- A01K5/0291—Automatic devices with timing mechanisms, e.g. pet feeders
Definitions
- the disclosure relates generally to an animal feeder that resists clogging by the feed and related uses.
- the feeder can be automatically controlled.
- the animal feeder has a hopper assembly that can be readily removed from the feeder housing and associated electronics for cleaning
- the hopper assembly is configured to resist pest access.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0191486 to Mishler discloses a feeder that dispenses bulk feed items from multiple bins using, in one case, a single, moving solenoid release mechanism. This device, however, operates by gravity.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0145365 to Mahle et al. discloses a pet pantry that includes a feed dispensing mechanism that operates manually through the use of a vertically-oriented, linearly-actuated spring mechanism that does not isolate the feed from pests.
- Prior disclosed apparatuses are subject to clogging/jamming by the animal feed. None of the prior art disclosures describe an animal feeder that suitably isolates the feed from pests. Nor do the prior art disclosures describe an animal feeder wherein the feed-contacting parts can be readily removed by the operator for cleaning.
- the present invention provides an animal feeder having (a) a top assembly with a motor; (b) an outer shell assembly comprising a bounce plate and feed tube; and (c) a hopper assembly including a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives the plate structure within the feed hopper and wherein the screw is operably connected to the motor, wherein the outer shell assembly is detachably connected to the hopper assembly.
- the hopper assembly is cylindrical.
- the animal feeder also has an electronic control mechanism.
- the bounce plate is in at least two parts.
- the animal feeder also has a feed receptacle assembly.
- the animal feeder also has a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly.
- the hopper assembly also has a holder assembly with arms and the outer shell assembly includes receiving ends for the arms.
- the arms and/or receiving ends include a pest barrier.
- the present invention also provides an animal feeder having (a) an outer shell assembly including a bounce plate and feed tube; and (b) a hopper assembly including a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives the plate structure within the feed hopper, wherein the outer shell assembly is detachably connected to the hopper assembly.
- the hopper assembly is cylindrical.
- the animal feeder also has an electronic control mechanism.
- the bounce plate is in at least two parts.
- the animal feeder also has a feed receptacle assembly.
- the animal feeder also has a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly.
- the animal feeder includes a motor operably connected to the screw. In some embodiments, the animal feeder includes a top assembly. In some embodiments, the hopper assembly also has a holder assembly with arms and the outer shell assembly includes receiving ends for the arms. In some embodiments, the arms and/or receiving ends include a pest barrier,
- the present invention also provides an animal feeder having (a) a top assembly including a motor, a motor coupler and an electronic control mechanism, (b) an outer shell assembly including receiving ends for a hopper assembly, a bounce plate having at least two parts, a feed tube and a feed receptacle assembly; and (c) the hopper assembly including a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a holder assembly with arms, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives the plate structure within the feed hopper and wherein the screw is operably connected to the motor, and a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly.
- the electronic control mechanism can further implement software to provide functions such as automated scheduled feeding, camera operation, and internet or telephony communication.
- the present invention also provides methods using all embodiments of the animal feeder described above for providing feed to an animal by adding the feed to the animal feeder and directing the animal feeder to dispense the feed.
- the present invention also provides methods of cleaning all embodiments of the animal feeder described above by removing one of the components from animal feeder, cleaning the component, and optionally returning the cleaned component to the animal feeder.
- the component can be, for example, the hopper assembly, the bounce plate, or the feed tube.
- FIG. 1 is a frontal view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the feeder apparatus of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the feeder system of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the hopper assembly of the feeder apparatus
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the hopper assembly of the feeder apparatus
- FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the hopper assembly of the feeder apparatus
- FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the outer shell assembly of the feeder apparatus
- FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the outer shell assembly of the feeder apparatus
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the outer shell assembly of the feeder apparatus
- FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the top assembly of the feeder apparatus and a bottom view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the top assembly of the feeder apparatus;
- FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the top assembly of the feeder apparatus.
- the present invention provides generally an animal feeding apparatus and related methods.
- an animal feeder configured to resist clogging by the feed, enables user cleaning of the feed hopper assembly and resist pest intrusion.
- the animal feeder includes an outer shell assembly detachably connected to a hopper assembly configured to push the feed over the top of the hopper assembly into the outer shell assembly.
- the expelled feed is collected into a feed tube and delivered to a feed receptacle.
- the feed can be dry food or kibble.
- FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus with a feed dish.
- the animal feeder apparatus 1 comprises a top assembly 2 , a hopper assembly 3 , and an outer shell assembly 4 .
- the component parts can be made of any suitable materials that resist contamination and rust, including stainless steel, ceramics, carbon fiber composite and plastics.
- Suitable plastics include ABS, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamide, melamine resins, cyclic polyolefins, composites or reinforced plastics such as fiberglass, and other thermoplastics known in the art.
- FIG. 3 shows a cutaway side view of the hopper assembly 3 in an embodiment of the present invention.
- the hopper assembly shell 4 is a canister that retains the feed within the hopper assembly 3 until the feed is dispensed.
- a pusher plate 5 disposed to retain the feed (feed in the hopper assembly 3 is inhibited from passing under the pusher plate) threaded on a screw 6 , where the pusher plate is raised or lowered via a nut 7 or other suitable fastener below the pusher plate 5 driven by rotation of the screw 6 .
- the screw 6 is held in place by a top holder assembly 8 and a bottom holder assembly 9 .
- the top holder assembly 8 has hanger arms or other suitable connectors that allow the user to detach the hopper assembly 3 from the outer shell assembly 4 .
- the rotation stop 10 prevents rotational movement of the hopper assembly shell 4 when the screw 6 turns.
- a pin 11 is disposed on the bottom end of the screw underneath the hopper assembly shell 4 to limit the downward displacement of the nut 7 .
- the upwardly displaced feed comes into contact with a paddle 12 which broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly 3 .
- a coupler assembly 13 At the top end of the screw 6 , is connected a coupler assembly 13 .
- the coupler assembly 13 can be attached to the drive of a motor or a hand crank or other suitable rotational force-generating mechanism. While the hopper assembly shell 4 is shown as a right cylinder, it is appreciated by those in the art that other suitable shapes can be substituted, e.g. elliptical cylinder or rectangular (polyhedral). One skilled in the art realizes that a rotation stop 10 is not necessary for some of these other hopper assembly shell 4 configurations. While the exemplary embodiment shows the top holder assembly 8 with hanger arms or other suitable connectors that allow the user to detach the hopper assembly 3 from the outer shell assembly 4 , it is appreciated by those in the art that the hanger arms can be disposed on the bottom holder assembly 9 or both.
- the connectors can include a pest barrier to prevent pests from entering the hopper assembly 4 .
- Pest barriers can include, for example, pest tape such as FITO brand ANT STOPPA® TAPE double-sided tape (Spotless Punch Ltd., Redhill, UK). Pests can include ants, cockroaches, rodents and the like.
- FIG. 4 the bottom of the hopper assembly 3 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- FIG. 5 the top of the hopper assembly 3 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- FIG. 6 shows a cutaway side view of the outer shell assembly 4 in an embodiment of the present invention.
- the outer assembly shell 14 is a canister that contains the hopper assembly 3 and directs the feed pushed out from the hopper assembly 3 to a feed receptacle 15 or other suitable feed receptacle.
- the guide pins 16 are disposed on the outer assembly shell 14 to receive the hanger arms or other suitable connectors of the top holder assembly 8 ( FIG. 5 ) of the hopper assembly 3 .
- a bounce plate 17 which is disposed within the outer shell assembly 4 below the hopper assembly 3 when the hopper assembly 3 is inserted into the outer shell assembly 4 , directs the feed that drops from the hopper assembly 3 to an opening to the feed tube 18 .
- the bounce plate 17 can be angled such that the feed is unlikely to be retained on the bounce plate 17 and instead travel into the feed tube 18 opening.
- the feed tube 18 can be angled such that the feed is dispensed without interruption to the feed receptacle 15 .
- the bounce plate 17 can be held in place relative to the feed tube 18 by bounce plate holders 19 .
- the outer shell assembly 4 can have a feed receptacle assembly 21 to prevent the feed receptacle 15 from moving due to the force of feed dispensing or the users or animals displacing the feed receptacle and causing the dispensed feed to spill on the floor. While shown as separate parts, it is appreciated by those in the art that the feed tube 18 and bounce plate 17 can be of unitary construction.
- the bounce plate 17 (see FIG. 6 ) can be made of two or more components. In the drawing is shown a right bounce plate 23 and a left bounce plate 24 . Where the bounce plate is comprised of more than one part, the user can more easily remove the bounce plate 17 for cleaning As shown in the embodiment herein, the bounce plate(s) can further include a bend 99 to further prevent feed from being retained on the bounce plate(s). Furthermore, it is appreciated by those in the art that other configurations of bounce plate(s) (e.g. a funnel configuration) can be used to direct feed to the feed tube.
- a funnel configuration can be used to direct feed to the feed tube.
- FIG. 8 the bottom of the outer shell assembly 4 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- FIG. 9 shows side and bottom views of the top assembly 2 .
- the top assembly 2 includes a top housing 25 that can contain the electronics and motor.
- the top assembly 2 includes guide pin holes 26 to align the top assembly 2 with the outer shell assembly 4 .
- the top assembly 2 also includes an upper motor coupler 27 to operably connect a motor to the coupler assembly 13 to drive the screw 6 . It is appreciated by those in the art that the upper motor couple could be attached to a hand crank rather than a motor to drive the screw.
- FIG. 10 shows a top view of the top assembly 2 .
- the top assembly 2 includes a keypad assembly 28 or other electronic control interface to, for example dispense feed, monitor feed level and alert the user when feed is low.
- top assembly 2 shows the top assembly 2 with guide pin holes 26 to align the top assembly 2 with the outer shell assembly 4
- other connectors are suitable for aligning the assemblies.
- embodiment show includes a motor and electronic control in the top assembly, it is appreciated by those in the art that other placements of the motor as well as of the control electronics are possible.
- kits for feeding animals using the apparatus of the invention include methods using all embodiments of the animal feeder described above for providing feed to an animal by adding the feed to the animal feeder and directing the animal feeder to dispense the feed.
- the electronic control mechanism can further implement software to provide functions such as automated scheduled feeding, camera operation, and internet or telephony communication.
- the electronic control can include software that schedules activation of the animal feeder for any number of times per day, days per week, etc.
- the apparatus can include a camera to allow interaction of the user with the animal via the internet, including the mobile web.
- the electronic control can provide alerts to the user, such as notifications for apparatus malfunction or low feed level.
- the hopper assembly 3 can be removed from the outer shell assembly 4 by the user and washed.
- the bounce plate 17 or left and right bounce plates, 23 and 24 , respectively
- feed tube 18 may also be removed by the user for cleaning
- the present invention also provides methods of cleaning all embodiments of the animal feeder described above by removing one of the components from animal feeder, cleaning the component, and optionally returning the cleaned component to the animal feeder.
- the component can be, for example, the hopper assembly, the bounce plate, or the feed tube.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Birds (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to an animal feeder and methods of using same. The animal feeder is configured to resist clogging, enable user cleaning of the feed hopper assembly and resist pest intrusion. The animal feeder includes an outer shell assembly detachably connected to a hopper assembly configured to push the feed over the top of the hopper assembly into the outer shell assembly. The expelled feed is collected into a feed tube and delivered to a feed receptacle.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/676,304, filed Jul. 26, 2012 and entitled “Automated Animal Feeding Apparatus”; the entirety of which is incorporated by reference
- The disclosure relates generally to an animal feeder that resists clogging by the feed and related uses. The feeder can be automatically controlled. The animal feeder has a hopper assembly that can be readily removed from the feeder housing and associated electronics for cleaning The hopper assembly is configured to resist pest access.
- Numerous conventional livestock feeders, deer feeders, bird feeders, and pet feed dispensers are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Most of these devices operate by gravity or in a rotary manner, and dispense, either on-demand or in a timed manner, bulk feed items, pellets, or seeds to animals in proximity to the devices.
- For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0191486 to Mishler discloses a feeder that dispenses bulk feed items from multiple bins using, in one case, a single, moving solenoid release mechanism. This device, however, operates by gravity. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0145365 to Mahle et al. discloses a pet pantry that includes a feed dispensing mechanism that operates manually through the use of a vertically-oriented, linearly-actuated spring mechanism that does not isolate the feed from pests.
- Prior disclosed apparatuses are subject to clogging/jamming by the animal feed. None of the prior art disclosures describe an animal feeder that suitably isolates the feed from pests. Nor do the prior art disclosures describe an animal feeder wherein the feed-contacting parts can be readily removed by the operator for cleaning.
- The present invention provides an animal feeder having (a) a top assembly with a motor; (b) an outer shell assembly comprising a bounce plate and feed tube; and (c) a hopper assembly including a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives the plate structure within the feed hopper and wherein the screw is operably connected to the motor, wherein the outer shell assembly is detachably connected to the hopper assembly. In some embodiments the hopper assembly is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the animal feeder also has an electronic control mechanism. In some embodiments, the bounce plate is in at least two parts. In some embodiments, the animal feeder also has a feed receptacle assembly. In some embodiments, the animal feeder also has a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly. In some embodiments, the hopper assembly also has a holder assembly with arms and the outer shell assembly includes receiving ends for the arms. In some embodiments, the arms and/or receiving ends include a pest barrier.
- The present invention also provides an animal feeder having (a) an outer shell assembly including a bounce plate and feed tube; and (b) a hopper assembly including a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives the plate structure within the feed hopper, wherein the outer shell assembly is detachably connected to the hopper assembly. In some embodiments the hopper assembly is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the animal feeder also has an electronic control mechanism. In some embodiments, the bounce plate is in at least two parts. In some embodiments, the animal feeder also has a feed receptacle assembly. In some embodiments, the animal feeder also has a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly. In some embodiments, the animal feeder includes a motor operably connected to the screw. In some embodiments, the animal feeder includes a top assembly. In some embodiments, the hopper assembly also has a holder assembly with arms and the outer shell assembly includes receiving ends for the arms. In some embodiments, the arms and/or receiving ends include a pest barrier,
- The present invention also provides an animal feeder having (a) a top assembly including a motor, a motor coupler and an electronic control mechanism, (b) an outer shell assembly including receiving ends for a hopper assembly, a bounce plate having at least two parts, a feed tube and a feed receptacle assembly; and (c) the hopper assembly including a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a holder assembly with arms, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives the plate structure within the feed hopper and wherein the screw is operably connected to the motor, and a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of the hopper assembly. The electronic control mechanism can further implement software to provide functions such as automated scheduled feeding, camera operation, and internet or telephony communication.
- The present invention also provides methods using all embodiments of the animal feeder described above for providing feed to an animal by adding the feed to the animal feeder and directing the animal feeder to dispense the feed.
- The present invention also provides methods of cleaning all embodiments of the animal feeder described above by removing one of the components from animal feeder, cleaning the component, and optionally returning the cleaned component to the animal feeder. The component can be, for example, the hopper assembly, the bounce plate, or the feed tube.
- The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a frontal view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the feeder apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the feeder system of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the hopper assembly of the feeder apparatus; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the hopper assembly of the feeder apparatus; -
FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the hopper assembly of the feeder apparatus; -
FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the outer shell assembly of the feeder apparatus; -
FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the outer shell assembly of the feeder apparatus; -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the outer shell assembly of the feeder apparatus; -
FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the top assembly of the feeder apparatus and a bottom view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the top assembly of the feeder apparatus; and, -
FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the top assembly of the feeder apparatus. - In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides generally an animal feeding apparatus and related methods. Provided herein is an animal feeder configured to resist clogging by the feed, enables user cleaning of the feed hopper assembly and resist pest intrusion. In an embodiment, the animal feeder includes an outer shell assembly detachably connected to a hopper assembly configured to push the feed over the top of the hopper assembly into the outer shell assembly. The expelled feed is collected into a feed tube and delivered to a feed receptacle. The feed can be dry food or kibble.
-
FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus with a feed dish. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the animal feeder apparatus 1 comprises atop assembly 2, ahopper assembly 3, and anouter shell assembly 4. The component parts can be made of any suitable materials that resist contamination and rust, including stainless steel, ceramics, carbon fiber composite and plastics. Suitable plastics include ABS, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamide, melamine resins, cyclic polyolefins, composites or reinforced plastics such as fiberglass, and other thermoplastics known in the art. -
FIG. 3 shows a cutaway side view of thehopper assembly 3 in an embodiment of the present invention. Thehopper assembly shell 4 is a canister that retains the feed within thehopper assembly 3 until the feed is dispensed. Within thehopper assembly shell 4 is apusher plate 5 disposed to retain the feed (feed in thehopper assembly 3 is inhibited from passing under the pusher plate) threaded on ascrew 6, where the pusher plate is raised or lowered via anut 7 or other suitable fastener below thepusher plate 5 driven by rotation of thescrew 6. Thescrew 6 is held in place by atop holder assembly 8 and abottom holder assembly 9. Thetop holder assembly 8 has hanger arms or other suitable connectors that allow the user to detach thehopper assembly 3 from theouter shell assembly 4. Therotation stop 10 prevents rotational movement of thehopper assembly shell 4 when thescrew 6 turns. Apin 11 is disposed on the bottom end of the screw underneath thehopper assembly shell 4 to limit the downward displacement of thenut 7. As feed is pushed up by the rotation of thescrew 6 driving up thepusher plate 5 via the nut, the upwardly displaced feed comes into contact with apaddle 12 which broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of thehopper assembly 3. At the top end of thescrew 6, is connected acoupler assembly 13. Thecoupler assembly 13 can be attached to the drive of a motor or a hand crank or other suitable rotational force-generating mechanism. While thehopper assembly shell 4 is shown as a right cylinder, it is appreciated by those in the art that other suitable shapes can be substituted, e.g. elliptical cylinder or rectangular (polyhedral). One skilled in the art realizes that arotation stop 10 is not necessary for some of these otherhopper assembly shell 4 configurations. While the exemplary embodiment shows thetop holder assembly 8 with hanger arms or other suitable connectors that allow the user to detach thehopper assembly 3 from theouter shell assembly 4, it is appreciated by those in the art that the hanger arms can be disposed on thebottom holder assembly 9 or both. Furthermore, it is appreciated by those in the art that any number of connectors between thehopper assembly 3 and theouter shell assembly 4 can be used, as long as the ahopper assembly 3 is suitably stabilized within theouter shell assembly 4. Additionally, the connectors can include a pest barrier to prevent pests from entering thehopper assembly 4. Pest barriers can include, for example, pest tape such as FITO brand ANT STOPPA® TAPE double-sided tape (Spotless Punch Ltd., Redhill, UK). Pests can include ants, cockroaches, rodents and the like. - Moving to
FIG. 4 , the bottom of thehopper assembly 3 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. - Moving to
FIG. 5 , the top of thehopper assembly 3 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. -
FIG. 6 shows a cutaway side view of theouter shell assembly 4 in an embodiment of the present invention. Theouter assembly shell 14 is a canister that contains thehopper assembly 3 and directs the feed pushed out from thehopper assembly 3 to afeed receptacle 15 or other suitable feed receptacle. The guide pins 16 are disposed on theouter assembly shell 14 to receive the hanger arms or other suitable connectors of the top holder assembly 8 (FIG. 5 ) of thehopper assembly 3. Abounce plate 17, which is disposed within theouter shell assembly 4 below thehopper assembly 3 when thehopper assembly 3 is inserted into theouter shell assembly 4, directs the feed that drops from thehopper assembly 3 to an opening to thefeed tube 18. Thebounce plate 17 can be angled such that the feed is unlikely to be retained on thebounce plate 17 and instead travel into thefeed tube 18 opening. Thefeed tube 18 can be angled such that the feed is dispensed without interruption to thefeed receptacle 15. Thebounce plate 17 can be held in place relative to thefeed tube 18 bybounce plate holders 19. Optionally, theouter shell assembly 4 can have afeed receptacle assembly 21 to prevent thefeed receptacle 15 from moving due to the force of feed dispensing or the users or animals displacing the feed receptacle and causing the dispensed feed to spill on the floor. While shown as separate parts, it is appreciated by those in the art that thefeed tube 18 andbounce plate 17 can be of unitary construction. - Moving to
FIG. 7 , the top of theouter shell assembly 4 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in the embodiment herein, the bounce plate 17 (seeFIG. 6 ) can be made of two or more components. In the drawing is shown aright bounce plate 23 and aleft bounce plate 24. Where the bounce plate is comprised of more than one part, the user can more easily remove thebounce plate 17 for cleaning As shown in the embodiment herein, the bounce plate(s) can further include abend 99 to further prevent feed from being retained on the bounce plate(s). Furthermore, it is appreciated by those in the art that other configurations of bounce plate(s) (e.g. a funnel configuration) can be used to direct feed to the feed tube. - Moving to
FIG. 8 , the bottom of theouter shell assembly 4 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. -
FIG. 9 shows side and bottom views of thetop assembly 2. Thetop assembly 2 includes atop housing 25 that can contain the electronics and motor. Thetop assembly 2 includes guide pin holes 26 to align thetop assembly 2 with theouter shell assembly 4. Thetop assembly 2 also includes anupper motor coupler 27 to operably connect a motor to thecoupler assembly 13 to drive thescrew 6. It is appreciated by those in the art that the upper motor couple could be attached to a hand crank rather than a motor to drive the screw.FIG. 10 shows a top view of thetop assembly 2. Thetop assembly 2 includes akeypad assembly 28 or other electronic control interface to, for example dispense feed, monitor feed level and alert the user when feed is low. While the exemplary embodiment shows thetop assembly 2 with guide pin holes 26 to align thetop assembly 2 with theouter shell assembly 4, it is appreciated by those in the art that other connectors are suitable for aligning the assemblies. While the embodiment show includes a motor and electronic control in the top assembly, it is appreciated by those in the art that other placements of the motor as well as of the control electronics are possible. - Provided herein are methods for feeding animals using the apparatus of the invention. These include methods using all embodiments of the animal feeder described above for providing feed to an animal by adding the feed to the animal feeder and directing the animal feeder to dispense the feed.
- The electronic control mechanism can further implement software to provide functions such as automated scheduled feeding, camera operation, and internet or telephony communication. The electronic control can include software that schedules activation of the animal feeder for any number of times per day, days per week, etc. The apparatus can include a camera to allow interaction of the user with the animal via the internet, including the mobile web. The electronic control can provide alerts to the user, such as notifications for apparatus malfunction or low feed level.
- The
hopper assembly 3 can be removed from theouter shell assembly 4 by the user and washed. The bounce plate 17 (or left and right bounce plates, 23 and 24, respectively) andfeed tube 18 may also be removed by the user for cleaning - The present invention also provides methods of cleaning all embodiments of the animal feeder described above by removing one of the components from animal feeder, cleaning the component, and optionally returning the cleaned component to the animal feeder. The component can be, for example, the hopper assembly, the bounce plate, or the feed tube.
- Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. An animal feeder comprising,
a) an outer shell assembly comprising a bounce plate and feed tube; and
b) a hopper assembly comprising a hopper assembly shell configured to contain feed, a pusher plate coupled to a screw extending the length of the hopper assembly shell that vertically drives said pusher plate within said feed hopper,
wherein said outer shell assembly is detachably connected to said hopper assembly.
2. The animal feeder according to claim 1 further comprising a top assembly.
3. The animal feeder according to claim 1 wherein said hopper assembly is cylindrical.
4. The animal feeder according to claim 1 wherein said bounce plate is in at least two parts.
5. The animal feeder according to claim 1 further comprising a paddle that broadcasts the feed from the top over the sides of said hopper assembly.
6. The animal feeder according to claim 1 further comprising a motor operably connected to said screw.
7. The animal feeder according to claim 1 further comprising a feed receptacle assembly.
8. The animal feeder according to claim 1 , wherein at least one component part comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, ceramics, carbon fiber composite and plastic.
9. The animal feeder according to claim 1 further comprising an electronic control mechanism.
10. The animal feeder according to claim 9 , wherein said electronic control mechanism comprises software that provides a function selected from the group consisting of automated scheduled feeding, camera operation, and internet or telephony communication.
11. The animal feeder according to claim 1 wherein said hopper assembly further comprises a holder assembly with arms and said outer shell assembly further comprises receiving ends for said arms.
12. The animal feeder of claim 11 wherein said arms or receiving ends further comprise a pest barrier.
13. The animal feeder of claim 12 wherein said pest barrier prevents the entry of ants.
14. A method of providing feed to an animal comprising adding said feed to the animal feeder according to claim 1 and directing said animal feeder to dispense said feed.
15. A method of cleaning an animal feeder of claim 1 comprising:
a) removing one of the components from said animal feeder, said component selected from the group consisting of:
i) said hopper assembly:
ii) said bounce plate;
iii) said feed tube, and
b) cleaning said component; and
c) optionally replacing said component in said animal feeder.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/415,715 US9374981B2 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2013-03-06 | Automated animal feeding apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261676304P | 2012-07-26 | 2012-07-26 | |
US14/415,715 US9374981B2 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2013-03-06 | Automated animal feeding apparatus |
PCT/US2013/029224 WO2014018101A1 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2013-03-06 | Automated animal feeding apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150164044A1 true US20150164044A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
US9374981B2 US9374981B2 (en) | 2016-06-28 |
Family
ID=49997702
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/415,715 Expired - Fee Related US9374981B2 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2013-03-06 | Automated animal feeding apparatus |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9374981B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2876997B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN204929938U (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014018101A1 (en) |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD759905S1 (en) * | 2015-05-29 | 2016-06-21 | Pettrax, Inc. | In-home pet feeding and monitoring system |
US9750229B2 (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2017-09-05 | Pettrax, Inc. | In-home pet feeding and monitoring system |
USD835356S1 (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2018-12-04 | Shenzhen Jiemeike Security Technology Co., Ltd. | Automatic pet feeder |
USD836850S1 (en) * | 2017-06-05 | 2018-12-25 | Guangdong Cuter Pet Technology Co., Ltd. | Automatic pet feeder |
USD843665S1 (en) * | 2017-12-18 | 2019-03-19 | Shenzhen Chuangxinshangpin Technology Co., Ltd. | Pet feeder |
USD844258S1 (en) * | 2017-11-22 | 2019-03-26 | Shenzhen Benkei Technology Co., Ltd. | Pet feeder |
USD846815S1 (en) * | 2017-01-15 | 2019-04-23 | Kofi Darkwah | Pet water dispenser with integrated standard one gallon water jug chamber |
USD852431S1 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2019-06-25 | Shenzhen Petwant Pet Products Co., Ltd | Automatic pet feeder |
USD876022S1 (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2020-02-18 | Cixi Huazhijie Plastic Product Co., Ltd. | Animal feeder |
USD885685S1 (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2020-05-26 | Dogness Group LLC | Pet feeder |
USD885686S1 (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2020-05-26 | Dogness Group LLC | Pet feeder |
USD891004S1 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2020-07-21 | Amy Park | Pet feeder |
USD893109S1 (en) * | 2019-04-27 | 2020-08-11 | Rensong Zeng | Automatic food feeder for animals |
US20200260686A1 (en) * | 2019-02-16 | 2020-08-20 | ROBOI Inc. | Animal feeding robot which stimulates olfactory sense of animal |
USD897609S1 (en) * | 2017-08-23 | 2020-09-29 | Mars, Incorporated | Pet food dispenser |
USD897610S1 (en) * | 2019-05-28 | 2020-09-29 | Automated Pet Care Products, Llc | Feeder housing for domestic animals |
US20210253249A1 (en) * | 2020-02-13 | 2021-08-19 | Biocarbon Engineering Ltd. | Planting system having oscillating seed agitator |
USD963256S1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-09-06 | Fan Lin | Automatic pet feeder |
USD975929S1 (en) * | 2021-04-15 | 2023-01-17 | Best For Your Pet, Inc. | Pet food dispensing apparatus with storage tray |
US20230023816A1 (en) * | 2021-07-26 | 2023-01-26 | Dongguan Zhiyihong Hardware & Plastic Co., Ltd. | Automatic Pet Feeder With Intelligent Push-pull And Anti-cockroach Functions |
USD983463S1 (en) * | 2022-12-14 | 2023-04-11 | Fuzhou Boweier Trading Co., Ltd. | Pet feeder |
USD1029406S1 (en) * | 2023-02-15 | 2024-05-28 | Th Products, Llc | Pet feeder |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106135040A (en) * | 2016-08-22 | 2016-11-23 | 无锡东晟生物科技有限公司 | A kind of automatic pet feeding device |
US10980219B2 (en) | 2018-02-21 | 2021-04-20 | Dee Volin | Draw-ramp egg-teeter-totter wild-animal-shield chicken coop, having easy-access ventilated roosting system, automatic-egg-collecting-and-indicating-teeter-totter nesting system, cable draw-ramp system, automatic-hook sliding-door system, easy-access pivotable feeder-and-water system, extendable chicken-run system, anti-pushing anti-growing anti-digging anti-rotting shield systems, and automatic-relatching-twistable-compressable-spring latch systems |
US20200146259A1 (en) | 2018-11-08 | 2020-05-14 | Dave Klocke | Swine activated feeder with actuation sensor |
NL2022392B1 (en) * | 2019-01-14 | 2020-08-14 | Embedded Control B V | Horse feeding device |
USD920592S1 (en) * | 2019-08-22 | 2021-05-25 | Wei Tang | Automatic feeding device for animals |
CN114342865B (en) * | 2022-03-14 | 2023-01-10 | 北京猫猫狗狗科技有限公司 | Fish tank with interaction function |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4315483A (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1982-02-16 | Ronald Frederick Park | Animal feeder |
US4522152A (en) * | 1982-08-09 | 1985-06-11 | Meyer James R | Animal feeder |
US4802302A (en) * | 1987-11-03 | 1989-02-07 | Alnafissa Fahad A | Insect trapping pet food dish |
US5109800A (en) * | 1991-07-12 | 1992-05-05 | Williams Willard J | Insect barrier stand |
US5363805A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1994-11-15 | Wing Lewis O | Automatic pet feeder |
US5619952A (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1997-04-15 | Walker; Robert T. | Pest Barricaded animal feeder |
US20060185606A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-08-24 | Sung Ho Park | Automatic pet food dispensing device |
US20090145365A1 (en) * | 2007-12-07 | 2009-06-11 | Mahle Michael S | Pet food dispenser |
US20090205573A1 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-20 | Alain BRIERE | Animal feeder |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5555842A (en) | 1993-10-08 | 1996-09-17 | Kc Equine Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for feeding horses |
US5794560A (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1998-08-18 | Terenzi; Bruno | Automatic dog and cat feeder |
JP2001314133A (en) | 2000-05-06 | 2001-11-13 | Atsushi Manabe | Tool for automatically feeding granular feedstuff |
AU2005226679A1 (en) | 2004-03-22 | 2005-10-06 | Olcott, Mark D. | Animal feeding device and method |
US20060191486A1 (en) | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Mishler Daniel J | Animal feeder for bulky food items |
US20120042831A1 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2012-02-23 | H&W Products, Inc. | System and related method for feeding bulk food items to deer or the like |
-
2013
- 2013-03-06 WO PCT/US2013/029224 patent/WO2014018101A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-03-06 CN CN201390000764.XU patent/CN204929938U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-03-06 US US14/415,715 patent/US9374981B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-03-06 EP EP13822671.7A patent/EP2876997B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4315483A (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1982-02-16 | Ronald Frederick Park | Animal feeder |
US4522152A (en) * | 1982-08-09 | 1985-06-11 | Meyer James R | Animal feeder |
US4802302A (en) * | 1987-11-03 | 1989-02-07 | Alnafissa Fahad A | Insect trapping pet food dish |
US5109800A (en) * | 1991-07-12 | 1992-05-05 | Williams Willard J | Insect barrier stand |
US5363805A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1994-11-15 | Wing Lewis O | Automatic pet feeder |
US5619952A (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1997-04-15 | Walker; Robert T. | Pest Barricaded animal feeder |
US20060185606A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-08-24 | Sung Ho Park | Automatic pet food dispensing device |
US20090145365A1 (en) * | 2007-12-07 | 2009-06-11 | Mahle Michael S | Pet food dispenser |
US20090205573A1 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-20 | Alain BRIERE | Animal feeder |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9750229B2 (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2017-09-05 | Pettrax, Inc. | In-home pet feeding and monitoring system |
USD759905S1 (en) * | 2015-05-29 | 2016-06-21 | Pettrax, Inc. | In-home pet feeding and monitoring system |
USD846815S1 (en) * | 2017-01-15 | 2019-04-23 | Kofi Darkwah | Pet water dispenser with integrated standard one gallon water jug chamber |
USD836850S1 (en) * | 2017-06-05 | 2018-12-25 | Guangdong Cuter Pet Technology Co., Ltd. | Automatic pet feeder |
USD852431S1 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2019-06-25 | Shenzhen Petwant Pet Products Co., Ltd | Automatic pet feeder |
USD835356S1 (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2018-12-04 | Shenzhen Jiemeike Security Technology Co., Ltd. | Automatic pet feeder |
USD897609S1 (en) * | 2017-08-23 | 2020-09-29 | Mars, Incorporated | Pet food dispenser |
USD844258S1 (en) * | 2017-11-22 | 2019-03-26 | Shenzhen Benkei Technology Co., Ltd. | Pet feeder |
USD843665S1 (en) * | 2017-12-18 | 2019-03-19 | Shenzhen Chuangxinshangpin Technology Co., Ltd. | Pet feeder |
USD876022S1 (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2020-02-18 | Cixi Huazhijie Plastic Product Co., Ltd. | Animal feeder |
USD891004S1 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2020-07-21 | Amy Park | Pet feeder |
USD885685S1 (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2020-05-26 | Dogness Group LLC | Pet feeder |
USD885686S1 (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2020-05-26 | Dogness Group LLC | Pet feeder |
US20200260686A1 (en) * | 2019-02-16 | 2020-08-20 | ROBOI Inc. | Animal feeding robot which stimulates olfactory sense of animal |
USD893109S1 (en) * | 2019-04-27 | 2020-08-11 | Rensong Zeng | Automatic food feeder for animals |
USD897610S1 (en) * | 2019-05-28 | 2020-09-29 | Automated Pet Care Products, Llc | Feeder housing for domestic animals |
US20210253249A1 (en) * | 2020-02-13 | 2021-08-19 | Biocarbon Engineering Ltd. | Planting system having oscillating seed agitator |
US11858630B2 (en) * | 2020-02-13 | 2024-01-02 | Biocarbon Engineering Ltd. | Planting system having oscillating seed agitator |
USD975929S1 (en) * | 2021-04-15 | 2023-01-17 | Best For Your Pet, Inc. | Pet food dispensing apparatus with storage tray |
USD963256S1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-09-06 | Fan Lin | Automatic pet feeder |
US20230023816A1 (en) * | 2021-07-26 | 2023-01-26 | Dongguan Zhiyihong Hardware & Plastic Co., Ltd. | Automatic Pet Feeder With Intelligent Push-pull And Anti-cockroach Functions |
US11771055B2 (en) * | 2021-07-26 | 2023-10-03 | Dongguan Zhiyihong Hardware & Plastic Co., Ltd. | Automatic pet feeder with intelligent push-pull and anti-cockroach functions |
USD983463S1 (en) * | 2022-12-14 | 2023-04-11 | Fuzhou Boweier Trading Co., Ltd. | Pet feeder |
USD1029406S1 (en) * | 2023-02-15 | 2024-05-28 | Th Products, Llc | Pet feeder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2876997A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 |
CN204929938U (en) | 2016-01-06 |
EP2876997A4 (en) | 2015-07-29 |
WO2014018101A1 (en) | 2014-01-30 |
EP2876997B1 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
US9374981B2 (en) | 2016-06-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2876997B1 (en) | Automated animal feeding apparatus | |
EP1876885B1 (en) | Dispenser device with remote-controlled dispenser for the release of dispenser materials for an animal and corresponding method | |
US8347817B1 (en) | Pet feeder | |
US9277730B2 (en) | Plunger gate animal feeder attachment | |
EP2345324B1 (en) | Feeder | |
US20080251024A1 (en) | Assembly of Milking a Robot With a Milking Robot Feeding Place, Such as a Milking Robot Feed Trough, and a Device For Gripping and Displacing Material, Such as For Example Roughage and/or Concentrate For Animals | |
WO2007076081A9 (en) | Pet food storage and feeder device | |
EP0547304B1 (en) | Method and means for delivering animal feed in a feeding trough | |
DE112009001824T5 (en) | Feeding arrangement for animals | |
EP3782468A1 (en) | Rodent traps, particularly disposable mouse traps | |
US20120024883A1 (en) | Small animal treat dispenser | |
US20030182846A1 (en) | Pest control device | |
DE60202309T2 (en) | Device for feeding and / or watering animals | |
EP4013221B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for scent training an animal | |
DE202017101741U1 (en) | Automatic feeding device for pets | |
KR100494327B1 (en) | A Poison Bait container for cockroach | |
CN111903561A (en) | Poultry breeding device | |
DE202018102542U1 (en) | Feeding device for pets | |
GB2281494A (en) | Portable dry feed despenser | |
KR101585298B1 (en) | Auto feed case for birds | |
WO2005029949A1 (en) | Conveyor system for conveying mix fodder | |
EP2394509A1 (en) | Calf drinking bottle | |
US6044796A (en) | Apparatus for separating seeds from husks | |
DE8412326U1 (en) | Feeding device | |
DE102021001079A1 (en) | Animal feed dispenser |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |